The Bullpen Session is a weekly round-up of my observations surrounding Cubs baseball and much, much more!

Happy New Year, Cubs fans!

–Laid low this New Year’s eve. No hotel parties, no concerts, just some Pete’s pizza (with extra sauce) a bottle of champagne and a movie. Perfect!

–Not so perfect are our Chicago Blackhawks. Not only have they fallen to the bottom of the division, but they’re also out of the top eight playoff spots. So yeah, I’m officially worried.

The Hawks’ Wednesday night season ticket package hasn’t been kind to us, either. One win in six games. Is there something about ‘hump day’ that keeps the Hawks from winning?

–Looking forward to Saturday’s Colts vs. Jets playoff game. Colts have been playing well the last month, much better than the Jets. And getting hot at the right time is what it’s all about, right?

The resurgence of the Colts’ running game has been key. Its opened up the passing game for Manning and given the ‘D a lengthy rest in-between series. If this stays the course there’s no reason No.18 & company can’t make a little postseason run.

Of course, we’re hearing lots of bravado coming from Rex Ryan, but I like the Colts to win. Indy doesn’t fear Ryan or New York’s defense, and the Colts are simply playing better football.

–Above is a picture of my new Colts pants Momma Bear made for me during the holidays. Guess we’ll find out how lucky they are on Saturday.

–It’s officially “Year 2″ under the Ricketts regeime. But what that means exactly, I don’t know. According to my Cubs poll last Friday, it seems most of you believe the Cubs are destined for a third place finish in the division.

I think that’s a fair assessment given the Cubs are a muddled mix of young, old and unknowns. The Reds and Brewers, meanwhile, have beefed up this offseason clearly adding seperation from Chicago.

The good news is we’re about five weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training. But the cold weather always makes it feel longer!

–Made a trip to Target this week and spent $14.20–a record low. Never thought that was even possible.